The Park Ridge Fire Department was dispatched for the report of smoke in a building in the 700 block of Busse Highway

On Thursday November 7, 2013 at 9:57a.m., the Park Ridge Fire Department was dispatched for the report of smoke in a building in the 700 block of Busse Highway. A 9-1-1 caller had reported a loud bang with smoke coming from the basement. Upon arrival, Fire Department units advanced in to the basement of the structure and found a fire near the electrical panel for the building. ComEd was immediately requested to the scene as fire attack began. The initial size-up of the incident determined that there were no signs of fire on the main floor of the structure, which houses medical offices. However, companies did determine that there was some extension of fire to the main flooring members in an approximate 2 foot square area of the building. The fire was under control within approximately 10 minutes, with complete extinguishment occurring in approximately 45 minutes, after ComEd had shut down the electrical feed to the entire structure.

No injuries to civilians or firefighters occurred as a result of this fire. Busse Highway was closed in both directions until approximately 12 Noon. The Park Ridge Fire Department received assistance at the scene from the North Maine Fire Protection District, and the Niles, Des Plaines, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, and Rosemont Fire Departments. The Norwood Park Fire Protection District as well as the Elk Grove Fire Department provided assistance at a subsequent emergency medical service call elsewhere in Park Ridge, with the Glenview Fire Department providing coverage at a fire station in the event of additional calls for service.

Fire investigators are working to identify the exact cause of the fire, however at this time the fire is being classified as accidental. There is no damage estimate at this time.